Multi-stakeholder Steering Group Members
(Last Updated 1 May 2023)
Mr. Iqbal AHMED
Bangladesh - Chair-Fellowship Committee, bdSiG (Civil Society)
I have done my post-graduation from Jahangirnagar University and Executive MBA from American International University, Bangladesh. I also completed Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Capital Market from BICM and received several professional trainings, especially on Core Banking, Internal Control and Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering, Customer Services at home and abroad.
I worked in various capacities at Citibank, N.A. and BRAC Bank. I started my finance and banking career with Citibank, N.A. and worked in Financial Control, Credit Administration, Cash Trade Operations and Branch Operations for about 15 years and with BRAC Bank in Risk Management for 3 years. Now I have been working with Lankan Alliance Finance Limited, a joint venture Financial Institution in Dhaka.
I have a strong interest in Fintech activities that include digitization of the financial sector and is actively associated with the Bangladesh School of Internet Governance (bdSiG).
Mr. Rohana Chaminda AKMEEMANA PALLIYAGURU
Sri Lanka - Executive Director, Individual (Private Sector)
I am the founder of CySec Consulting (Pvt) Ltd and working as its Executive Director. CySec Consulting is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka catering the emerging demand for modern information and communication technology and cybersecurity sector-based services in local and international organizations.
Before establishing CySec Consulting in 2022, I worked as the Chief Operating Officer of Sri Lanka CERT|CC, as a founding member having joined the team at its very inception in 2006.
Mr. Babu Ram ARYAL
Nepal - Founder/CEO, Internet Governance Institute (Civil Society)
Babu Ram Aryal, cyber law, cybersecurity, and media law professional, based in Kathmandu. He is the Vice-Chair of Nepal Internet Governance Forum. He is the co-founder and the CEO of Internet Governance Institute (IGI), a dedicated IG grass-root capacity building organization in the Asia Pacific. IGI is established to strengthen IG discourse and capacity at the grass-root level to the Asia Pacific region. He is also the past Vice chair the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum.
Mr. Tanka Raj ARYAL
Nepal - General Secretary, Digital Rights Nepal (Civil Society)
Tanka Aryal is the Founder General Secretary of Digital Rights Nepal. He is a practicing lawyer at the Supreme Court of Nepal. He has been continuously engaged to promote digital rights, the right to information, freedom of expression, civic space, accountability, and internet freedom nationally for the last 15 years. Mr. Aryal holds two LLM degrees in International Human Rights Laws from Kathmandu School of Law and Central European University Hungary. Additionally, Mr. Aryal completed different degrees from Oxford University UK and Tokiwa University Japan.
Mr. Aryal has worked as a consultant and staff with different national international organizations including FHI 360, International Center for Not-for-profit Law (ICNL), UNESCO, World Bank, ARTICLE 19, UNDP, UNDESA/DPADM. Mr. Aryal led a right information campaign throughout the country for more than 4 years as the Executive Director of the Citizens’ Campaign for Right to Information. Mr. Aryal is associated with different national and international organizations working to promote different issues of human rights including digital rights and internet freedom. Mr. Aryal has served as the Secretary of the Internet Society Nepal Chapter.
Mr. Aryal is accessible via [REDACTED]
Mr. Riad Hasan BADSHA
Bangladesh - Vice-Chair, Bangladesh Youth IGF (Youth / Students)
As a young techpreneur, My skills and interests are also tech-focused, I am a member of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum Community. Got fellowship from Bangladesh School of Internet Governance (bdSIG) for the year 2022 and also was member of Fellowship selection committee for the year 2023. I am currently Member of the Bangladesh Youth IGF, I am very concerned with teamwork, which is why our steering committee has reached 48 districts out of 64 in Bangladesh, ensuring that our district ambassador and core team member, and member (Male, Female, Trans Gender) to establish make some noise about IGF and creating a multi stakeholder community.
Ms. Kabita BAHING
Nepal - Programme Coordinator and Operations, Body Data (Civil Society)
Kabita is a feminist and LLB graduate with masters in Gender Studies. She has a history of working with children and youth at risk and is involved in the indigenous movement. Kabita is also associated with Abiral - The Arts Group and Accountability Incubator fellow at Accountability Lab, Nepal.
Mr. Binod BASNET
Nepal - Director, Educating Nepal (Academia)
Binod Basnet- Charter President and now the Director of Educating Nepal. Researcher in the field of early childhood development, disability and inclusive education. MPhil graduate from KU (2018) in development studies (Education), APrIGF fellow (2017) and Australia Awards Alumni since 2018 upon completion of a short course on inclusive education in policies and practice from QUT Australia.
Mr. Vashkar BHATTACHARJEE
Bangladesh - disabilities focal person, YPSA (Civil Society)
Vashkar Bhattacharjee, a person with visual disability , working As the National Consultant for Accessibility in the (a2i) Program of ICT Division, Bangladesh Government, Vashkar is involved in creating an enabling environment for innovations to come up for empowering persons with disabilities which are then scaled up and made accessible for all. His current focus is on implementing inclusive university (University of Chittagong), one of the largest and most prominent universities of Bangladesh. Vashkar is also involved with YPSA (Young Power in Social Action), an organization for sustainable development and providing advisory support towards its disability portfolio. Vashkar is the country representative of G3ict and focal person for DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System), Accessible Books consortium (ABC) of WIPO, Bookshare, Federation of DPO’s Sitakund in Bangladesh and worked as the Vice President of internet society accessibilities standing group. Vashkar has completed Duskin leadership training from Japan and completed his Master’s degree from university of Chittagong. He has also been awarded the ACUMEN Fellowship, APNIC Fellowship, Internet society IGF Ambassador and so on. Most recently, as a first Bangladeshi, he has received the prestigious UNESCO/Emir Jaber al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (2018/2019). Apart from Diversability D 30 disability impact list honoree 2021 (USA), Henry Viskardi Achievement Award 2017 (USA) and Bangladesh’s honorable Prime Ministers award as a successful person with disability in 2016. He can be also reached at [REDACTED]
Mr. Faisal Ahmed BHUBON
Bangladesh - Secretary General, Youth Internet Governance Forum Bangladesh (Technical Community)
I have been working with the internet-related issue for more than an era I got involved with the Bangladesh Youth Internet Governance Forum and worked as Secretary-General of Bangladesh Youth IGF. I was a fellow of the Bangladesh School of Internet Governance in 2017. After quite a long journey I felt that I needed to be more involved in Internet governance issues for my local and regional community and also tried to be more involved with the Internet Governance Forum (IGF. In addition, I am working as a member of the Technical Team of BIGF, YIGF and bdSIG. If I select as a Program Committee Member, I will get the chance to work nationally and globally on internet-related issues.
Prof. Lennon Yao-Chung CHANG
Australia - Associate Professor, Deakin University (Academia)
Dr Lennon Yao-Chung Chang is an Associate Professor, Cyber Policy and Risks, at Deakin University (starting from February 2023). He was a Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences at Monash University before joining Deakin University. He is Vice-chairman of the Asia Pacific Association of Technology and Society. He is also President of Australasian Taiwan Studies Association which he founded in 2020. Dr Chang’s research interests focus on the intersection of law and technology, cybercrime and cyber security, co-production of cyber security, disinformation campaign and foreign interference, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. He is one of the very few academics and legal researchers to research the intersection of technology and law and cybercrime in the early 2000s. He is the author of Cybercrime in the Greater China Region: Regulatory Responses and Crime Prevention (Edward Elgar, 2012) and his publications are in quality journals. He has been invited by the governments of Canada, Taiwan, Korea, and Hong Kong to discuss his research findings with senior national security, foreign policy and policing staff. He is often invited often invited by TV and news media, including New York Times, Reuters, ABC and BBC, to comment on cybercrime and cyber-attack events.
Ms. YingChu CHEN
Taiwan - International Affairs Committee of TWNIC, Individual, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research/Assistant Research Fellow (Academia)
YingChu Chen works at a think tank in Taiwan. She is also on of international affairs committee of TWNIC. She also attends the UN IGF's national and regional initiatives working group of the UN IGF. She is interested in researching digital economy development and how to use multistakeholder mechanisms in the policy-making process. In recent years, she also researches government regulations and internet technology innovations.
Mrs. Joyce CHEN
Australia - Senior Advisor - Strategic Engagement, APNIC (Technical Community)
Joyce Chen is APNIC's Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagement. She represents the organisation to deepen relationships with key stakeholders such as governments, the technical community, and the wider Asia Pacific Internet community. Joyce is also involved in expanding APNIC's capacity development and outreach efforts. She is a member of the global UN IGF MAG and the IGFSA's Executive Committee. Joyce is passionate about Internet access and development, and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Mr. Sunny CHENDI
Australia - Senior Advisor Policy and Community Development, APNIC (Technical Community)
Sunny Chendi is APNIC's Senior Advisor for Policy and Community Development and also Liaison Officer for the South Asia region. He is responsible for supporting the APNIC community in the resource Policy Development Process and enhancing the levels of engagement and participation of the members of the community which APNIC serves. He also manages the South Asia region Liaison role while establishing partnerships with external organizations to encourage latest technical deployments and help the community derive the maximum benefit from developments at APNIC.
Sunny represents APNIC at an economic and regional level and is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with the Asia Pacific community.
Eun Chang CHOI
South Korea - Director,, The Global Poverty Public Awareness Project (Povertyinfo.org) (Civil Society)
Choi is a legal scholar focused on information law and technological change in terms of public policy (ethics of AI, algorithm, disinformation, the power of platforms) and he has been representing KrIGF (South Korean IGF) in the United Nations Internet Goverance Forum's Regional and National Initiatives (NRIs). He founded and directs the Global Poverty Public Awareness Project (Povertyinfo.org), a nonprofit that disseminate open knowledge about issues affecting global poverty with emphasis on access to vaccine, inclusive internet, ICT4D, digital inclusion, AI for Good and open data for sustainable development. Previously, He was a fellow of Yale Information Society Project at Yale Law School and taught at ITU Centres of Excellence and Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA). https://eunchangchoi.github.io/
Ms. Amrita CHOUDHURY
India - Director, CCAOI (Civil Society)
Amrita is an active participant in tech policy discussions in India overseas, involved in capacity building, outreach and research. Currently serving as Director of CCAOI, President ISOC Delhi, IGF MAG Member, Chair APRALO, Chair IGFSA, Coordination committee of India IGF inSIG. She curates for the GIP advises Youth India IGF. For more details visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrita-choudhury-b0865511
Mr. Shibendu DEBBARMA
India - Additional Director, STPI (Technical Community)
He is working as Additional Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). He is spreading Internet for every one and its Governance among locality in his area through various activities. He also served as Assistant Professor in Department of Information Technology, Tripura University for 5 years. His teaching and research interests combine data network, IPv6, IoT and Internet Technologies. He has research publications in conference proceedings and in academic journals.
Mr. Supul EDIRISINGHE
Sri Lanka - Undergraduate, University of Peradeniya (Youth / Students)
I am a Computer Science Undergraduate at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. I was a fellow at APNIC-54. I am very passionate about cybersecurity, bridging the digital divide and working towards a better internet for everyone.
Mr. Ananda GAUTAM
Nepal - Program/Policy Officer, Coordinator, Internet Governance Institute, youth IGF Nepal (Civil Society)
Mr. Gautam is a Graduate of BSc. (Hons) Networking and IT Security from London Metropolitan University. He is an evidence-based policymaking and civic technologies enthusiast. Mr. Gautam is a very active contributor to Internet Governance in the Asia Pacific Region, he advocates for the active involvement of youths in the Internet Governance. He is current vice-chair and coordinator of youth IGF Nepal which works on encouraging and involving the young people in the substantive discussion on the Issues of Internet Governance. His works are inlined in the periphery of open data, Internet Governance, Data Analytics, Research, and Rural Technologies deployment.
Ms. Bea Soriano
GUEVARRA
Philippines - NetMission Advisory Board, NetMission DotAsia (Youth / Students)
Extremely motivated to constantly develop my skills and to grow professionally. Despite the pandemic, still continuing to be a part of the global community and an innovator of change.
Bea is what she calls a “Pandemic Graduate,” Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Southville International School and Colleges. Furthered her studies by pursuing Master’s in Information Technology degree in the same institution. She is also a Microsoft Technology Associate on several specializations. Bea has always been passionate about raising awareness of Internet Governance. As well as, speaking up as a youth concerning issues on the Internet. She believes that the youth should not be scared to speak up and that it is important for their voices to be heard.
Mr. Mohammad Abdul HAQUE ANU
Bangladesh - Secretary General, Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) (Civil Society)
Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu has spent 30 years of his career playing as a leading role as the Social Industry evangelist for ICT Journalist, Internet Governance, e-Commerce, e-Development, Telecommunication, ICT for Development (ICT4D), Internet Service Provider, Business Development and ICT Consultancy. He has unique quality of experience and contribution in an inclusive manner in multi-stakeholders of Private Sector, NGO Civil Society, Public Sector, Policy Makers, Academia and Media. He is known as Transformational Leader, Strategic Visionary, Elite Communicator and Change Agent. An active participant in policy discussions, both at domestic and international platforms, he is also involved in capacity building, outreach and research in Internet Governance.
He is presently working as founding Secretary General of Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) in conjunction with United Nation Internet Governance Forum created by UN World Summit on the Information Society (UN WSIS) Action plan from 2006. He is also a member of Multi Stakeholder Group (MSG) of Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF). He has been associated with ISOC as a member since 2009. An active participant in policy discussions, both at domestic and international platforms, he is also involved in capacity building, outreach and research in Internet Governance.
Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu has participated and contributed in various UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meetings and workshop at national and international levels and led a number of projects to bring qualitative changes through capacity building and value creation for required objectives such as- 4th IGF in Sharm EL Sheikh, Egypt on 2009, 5th IGF in Vilnius, Lithuania on 2010, 6th IGF in Nairobi, Kenya on 2011, 3rd APrIGF in Tokyo, Japan on 2012, NETmundial meeting on April 23rd and 24th, 2014, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 9th IGF in Istanbul, Turkey on 2014, 6th APrIGF in Macau on 2015, 8th APrIGF in Bangkok, Thailand on 20
Mr. Waqas HASSAN
Pakistan - Assistant Director (Int'l Liaison Training), PTA, Individual (Government)
Waqas has telecom/ICT regulatory experience of 17 years and contributes actively at the national and global forums such as APrIGF, APSIG, pkSIG, pkIGF, ISOC Pak chapter. He is an expert in internet public policy, stakeholder management and partnerships, advocacy and program development. He is alumni of DIPLO, APrIGF, APSIG, SANOG, CLDP and LIRNEasia and more. He manages PTA's collaborations with ITU, APT, GSMA, SAMENA and global tech companies. Waqas believes in an open, secure and all-inclusive Internet.
Mr. Md Jahangir HOSSAIN
Bangladesh - Member of Board of Trustee, Internet Society Bangladesh (Technical Community)
Mr. Hossain is a founding member and currently Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustee Internet Society (ISOC) Bangladesh. Also Founding Executive Committee member of Bangladesh Network Operators Group(bdNOG).
He has been related to the Information Technology industry for more than 16 years and has expertise in Information Systems Analyst, Solution architecture and implementation, especially for Internet Service Providers (ISP), IP Transit Providers, Telecommunication, and the Corporate sector.
He is also a fellow alumni member of SANOG, ISOC, APrIGF, APSIG, APNIC, ICANN, UNIGF, and an active member of the IG community and expertise in the analysis of Critical Internet Resources, Internet Governance Principle, CyberSecurity, Industry 4.0 and Community empowerment.
At present, He is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh where professionally works as a Head of Network Cybersecurity Auditor, Strategic Business Development of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC.
Ms. Tayyaba IFTIKHAR
Pakistan - Assistant Director, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (Government)
An experienced strategic communications professional, Tayyaba is involved in content communications, planning and impact supports engagement with stakeholders on matters related to the public such as online safety, access, connectivity and gender ICT. She holds an MSc. from London School of Economics (LSE) and is currently studying law at the University of London.
Dr. Aris IGNACIO
Philippines - Dean, College of Information Technology and Engineering, Southville International School and Colleges (Academia)
Aris Ignacio is currently the Dean of the College of Information Technology and Engineering at Southville International School and Colleges in the Philippines. He serves as a Board Member and current Vice President for Technology at ISOC Philippines Chapter. Aris is also the Vice Chair for APRALO at At-Large in ICANN. An advocate for the youth being a major stakeholder group in Internet Governance discussions has led to facilitating the involvement of university/college students in local, regional and global Internet governance awareness, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr. Fahad IQBAL
Pakistan - Information Security Researcher, PISA-CERT (Private Sector)
Fahad Iqbal
Information Security Researcher
Mr. Fahad Iqbal, a leading researcher in the field of Cyber Security in Pakistan. A young and energetic individual with a passionate outlook, he has been actively working to engage the youth of Pakistan in realizing their true potential in helping secure the Cyber Frontier of Pakistan. He has been actively engaged and collaborating with law enforcement agencies and has conducted various training sessions with a number of them at various levels. One of his most successful training programs has been “Tracking the Criminals in Cyber Space”. Mr. Fahad’s is one of the quickest growing profile in the professional circles in the realm of cyber security in Pakistan. He has ramped up, and excelled, in organizing Cyber Drills at National and International levels, engaged in Pakistan Information Security Associations (PISA), Azad Jammu Kashmir IT Board (AJK-ITB), Cyber Secure Alliance Pakistan (CSAP) and Cyber Secure Pakistan (CSP).
Mr. Priyatosh JANA
India - Assistant Professor, Haldia Institute of Technology (Academia)
Assistant Professor of Computer Science Engineering(Cyber Security), India and Vice President of membership at ISOC India Kolkata Chapter. His physical participation was in the APSIG, IETF, inSIG, NASIG and IGF Ambassador. He is a member of ALAC to a different Subcommittee WG at ICANN and a past ICANN fellow. His motivation to become a facilitator on IG and Tech based events locally, regionally, globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific. https://icannwiki.org/Priyatosh_Jana.
Ms. Gayatri KHANDHADAI
India - Head of Technology and Human Rights, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (Civil Society)
Gayatri Khandhadai, Head of Technology and Human Rights (Based in India)
Gaya joined the Resource Centre in February 2022 as the Head of Technology and Human Rights. She is a lawyer with a background in international law and human rights, international and regional human rights mechanisms, research, and advocacy. She previously worked with national and regional human rights groups, focusing on freedom of expression.
More recently she worked as the Asia Policy Regional Coordinator at the Association for Progressive Communications where her focus was on digital rights and policy in Asia with specific emphasis on freedoms of expression, religion, assembly and association on the internet. Her areas of expertise include capacity building, network support, policy advocacy on regulations and adoption of human rights-based approach to internet governance.
She holds an M.A. in International Law and Human Rights from the University for Peace, Costa Rica and a B.A. BL (Hons) from the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, India.
Ms. Ellen KUSUMA
Indonesia - Digital At-Risks Program Officer, SAFEnet, Individual (Civil Society)
Her work focuses on the policies relevant to the advocacy of online gender based violence in Indonesia, including but not limited to through documenting and building the knowledge of the issue, developing and designing support mechanisms and knowledge-transfer for the victims, pushing multi-stakeholders collaborations in addressing the issue, and ensuring the accessibility of the topic for the marginalized communities.
Ms. Cherie LAGAKALI
Fiji - Senior Advisor Pacific Cyber, GFCE (Technical Community)
Cherie Lagakali is the Senior Advisor Pacific Cyber for the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE).
As an Internet Governance enthusiast, Cherie is a member of the global UN IGF MAG (Multistakeholder Advisory Group).
Cherie engages extensively with the Pacific technical community and is passionate about bringing people together for a talanoa (discussion) or kanavata (eat together). She believes in connecting people, needs and resources and solving problems.
Cherie advocates for online privacy and child safety online and is keen to see more Pacific women take up leadership roles and engaging in global cyber capacity building and internet governance discussions.
On those rare occasions when not coordinating for regional cyber capacity building needs and priorities, involved in online meetings, conferences, organising workshops or spending time with her two boys, Cherie loves reading.
Cheryl Ralda LANGDON-ORR
Australia - Company Director, Internet Australia; NetThing (Multistakeholder Organising Committee) (Civil Society)
See https://about.me/cheryl.LangdonOrr and https://community.icann.org/display/~cheryl.langdon-orr/Home - Company Director: Vice Chair of Internet Australia, a Not For Profit Australian Registered Company, and the Australian ISOC Chapter; Current Chair of ISOC's Chapters Advisory Council Steering Committee; and Founding Member of the Australian NRI, 'NetThing' currently active in its MOC, for Internet Australia / NetThing (the Australian IGF) is the administrative home of NetThing
Mr. NAZMUL HASAN MAJUMDER
Bangladesh - Vice-Chair, Bangladesh School of Internet Governance (bdSIG) (Technical Community)
Nazmul Hasan Majumder, A Computer Engineer Tech Evangelist in Bangladesh, article contributor of ‘An Asia Internet History’ Fourth Decade (2011-2020) book edited by Professor Kilnam Chon and contributing to bdSIG (Bangladesh School of Internet Governance) from the beginning of its establishment in 2017 as founding member, and I am also the Vice-Chair National SIG Co-Coordinator of Bangladesh School of Internet Governance which is affiliated with Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance (APSIG). Besides this, I worked for e-CAB(e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh) from its starting journey in 2014 to expand the e-Commerce sector in Bangladesh and implementing its first training program and curriculum in 2016 as one of the teacher and curriculum committee members for entrepreneurs of the e-commerce sector of Bangladesh under the LICT project, ICT division of ICT Ministry, Bangladesh, collaboration with University of Dhaka. Alongside, I am feature writer of ‘Computer Jagat’, the first ICT magazine of Bangladesh since 1991. I am also a fellow of APSIG (Asia Pacific School on Internet Governance) 2020, fellow of inSIG (India School on Internet Governance) 2022. I am the founding member of the Youth IGF Bangladesh as a Co-Chair in 2021 to enhance expand the youth activities for the youths of country.
Mr. Muhammed Abdullah Al MAMUN
Bangladesh - Vice President Head of Information Security Division, United Commercial Bank Limited (Technical Community)
I am leading the Information Security Division for United Commercial Bank Limited which is one of the largest almost 39 years old first generation bank in Bangladesh. I have over 16 year’s experiences in Information Technology field including more than 12 years hands-on experiences in Information and Cyber Security. I was one of the key member of Information Security Team in different organizations and successfully implemented several security solutions such as SOC (Security Operation Center), Anti-Advance Persistent Threat Network Behavior Analysis, Data Leakage/Loss Prevention (DLP), SIEM (Security Information Event Management), User Behavior Analysis, PAM (Privilege Account Manager), Vulnerability Assessment Penetration Testing tool, etc. I also developed real-time threat monitoring system, vulnerability assessment tool for mobile applications, phishing simulation tool for user awareness, email log analysis tool, etc. Also having incident management, digital forensic investigation experiences including conducted IT/Cyber Security awareness training for around 4000 people in different organizations. I am also a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Certified ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) Lead Auditor, Certified Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Implementer, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified ITIL® Foundation Certificate v3 in IT Service Management, etc. along with several Information Cyber Security product related certifications. Also the fellow of bdSIG 2020-22 inSIG 2022, member ISOC (Internet Society) Dhaka Chapter in Accessibility Standing Group Affordable Internet Access SIG, BIGF (Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum), APrIGF (Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum), life member of Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) and Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).
Mr. Md. Mahedi MH MASUM
Bangladesh - Marketing Promotion Coordinator, Fiber@Home Ltd (Private Sector)
My name is Md. Mahedi Hasan and I have completed Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from Southeast University. For the academic and extracurricular activities, in 2017 I was nominated as Brand Ambassador of my university. During my undergraduate, I have worked on some projects to actualize and implement the theoretical knowledge of Cyber Security, RFID Security and Privacy, IPv4 and IPv6 deployment, Big Data analytics, Project Management, Smart Technologies and its implementation, Data Processing into practical work. I am now working as a Marketing Promotion Coordinator at Fiber@Home Limited in Bangladesh. Apart from this, I have been involved with several Non-Profit Organization for building community development and policy making of internet governance in Asia Pacific Region as a fellow. Currently, I am working on my upcoming research publication topic of IPv4 and IPv6 deployment and its security.
Mr. Charles Peter MOK
Hong Kong - Director, Tech for Good Asia (Civil Society)
Charles Mok is currently a Visiting Scholar at the Global Digital Policy Incubator, Cyber Policy Center, Stanford University. He is also a trustee of the Internet Society, and the founder of Tech for Good Asia, a regional initiative to harness the positive powers of digital technologies. During 2012-2020, Charles served as a member of the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, representing the Information Technology Functional Constituency. Before that, he co-founded HKNet, one of the earliest ISPs in Hong Kong, in 1994, and also co-founded and chaired the Internet Society Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association. He was also a former chair of the Asian, Australiasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO) of ICANN. Charles began his tech career with Digital Equipment Corporation, and then Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. He holds a BS in Computer and Electrical Engineering and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University.
Mr. Shankar Kumar MONDOL
Bangladesh - Assistant Teacher, Ideal School and College, Motijheel, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Academia)
Presently I am working as a teacher in a renowned school and college in Dhaka, Bangladesh about 27000 students and 700 teachers. Now I am involved as a secretary of bdSIG and got 6th fellowship from there and preparing for 7th fellowship which will be held in 23/02/2023 to 25/02/2023. I am also involved with BIGF from 2017. Many students all the year round from my school actively participate to bdSIG, BIFG, YouthIGF. My earnest desire to make myself involving as an active member in MSG programs and work with different types of ICT related programs along with my students. I have got a scholarship under ITEC/SCAAP By Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in 2015 on English and IT for 10 weeks. My hobby is to read different types of books, playing flute and slide guitar. I am also a slide guitar artist of Bangladesh Radio Betar from 2009.
Mr. Milan Raj NEPALI
Nepal - Vice President, Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (Civil Society)
Milan Raj Nepali is Vice President at Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation. He is an experienced Information Technology Professional with M.Sc. Degree in Information Technology and 10+ years of experience with demonstrated history of working in Nepal's Government Ministries and Departments in the capacity of IT Manager for Information Technology Management, IT Planning, ICT Policy and E-Government Implementation in Government of Nepal. Skilled in IT Strategy and Planning, Data Center Operation and IT Management, Web Services, Network Administration, Cyber Security, Fintech, Internet Governance, Risk and Governance, IS Audit and Project Management.
Ms. Jessie NGUYEN
South Korea - Graduate student, Individual (Academia)
I am Jessie Nguyen, from Vietnam. I am now studying Master program in the major of NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) studies at Chonnam National University in South Korea. I have many years of experience in engaging and empowering women, children and the elderly in the Mekong Delta River in Vietnam advocating their rights in projects of some International NGOs in Vietnam such as Save the Children, Care International, VVOB Flemish Association, etc. My current research interest is about technology for elder people and married-migrant women, especially Vietnamese women’s rights in Korea.
Mr. Raymond de Vera PALATINO
Philippines - Freelance writer, Individual (Press / Media)
Mong Palatino is a Filipino blogger and former legislator. He is the Philippines’s first elected youth representative from 2009 to 2013. He joined the citizen media community of Global Voices in 2006 and became its Southeast Asia editor in 2008. As a blogger, his writings have been published by The Diplomat, Bulatlat, Pinoy Weekly, Tinig.com, UPI Asia, and IFEX. His Twitter account is @mongster
Mr. Niranjan PATEL
Nepal - Digital Marketing Manager, Top Nepal International Pvt Ltd (Private Sector)
I am a Digital Marketing specialist Working with Marketing Companies, Advertising Companies, Digital Publisher, Affiliate Marketing Companies as well as CPA Marketing Companies in collaboration with Nepal Top Nepal International Pvt Ltd. I am a Executive member of CAN Federation, NPCERT, National ICT Council and many other organization. I am a Managing Director of Take Care Health Care Pvt Ltd.
Mr. Roshan POKHAREL
Nepal - Professor of Pratice, Galli Galli (Academia)
Advocate Roshan Pokharel. He taught Politics, Human Rights and Internet, Climate Justice at University level.Hé has advise Governments, Private and International organizations on Internet Governance,Digital Media Culture and Himalayan Studies. Hé has served as board member of Internet Society Nepal.Member of Dynamic Coliation School of Internet Governance( DC- SIG)IGF. Member Just Net Coalition.He is immediate pass Chair of Galli Galli.He live in patan with wife and two daughters.
Mr. K Mohan RAIDU
India - President, ISoc India Hyderabad Chapter, ISoc India Hyderabad Chapter (Technical Community)
India - President, ISoc India Hyderabad Chapter (Technical Community)
K Mohan Raidu is the CEO of Informatics India, a Software Development Company in Hyderabad, India. He is a Member of the ICC Digital Economy Commission and an ExecComm member of ICC India. Mr.Raidu is the President of the Internet Society Hyderabad Chapter.
He is the Chairman of the ICT Committee and MC Member at FTCCI and Chair eGov WG at CCICI.
Dr. GNANAJEYARAMAN RAJARAM
India - Professor, Saveetha School of Engineering (Academia)
Dr.R.Gnanjeyaraman, B.E., M.E., Ph.D, Professor of the Department of Applied Machine Learning, Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. He has Completed his Ph.D. Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Karunya University, Tamilnadu, India in 2013, He did his M.E. degree in Information Technology from V.M.K.V Engineering College, Vinayaka Mission University, Salem, India.He has received the B.E. degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Annamalai University, India, in the year 2003.He is a Life Member of ISTE chapter and ACEEE,IDEAS,UACEE, Global Member – Internet Society.He has 19+ years of teaching experience in UG PG Engineering courses.He has published 18 papers in well reputed international journals, 12 papers in international conferences and 8 papers in national conferences. His current research interests are Network Security, Cryptography Blockchain, Medical Imaging Analytics, Bio Medical Image Processing, and AI Machine Learning.
Ms. YOHANI SHAMINDI RANASINGHE
Sri Lanka - Lecturer, University of Colombo School of Computing (Academia)
I am Yohani from Sri Lanka, currently working as a lecturer at the University of Colombo School of Computing. I started my Internet Governance journey in 2017 and am very much interested in building inclusive Internet for all. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. at Monash University. I am specifically would like to work on digital education.
Mr. Shreedeep RAYAMAJHI
Nepal - ICT4D, rayznews (Civil Society)
A Social activist, blogger and communication expert, he is the founder of Rayznews and Learn Internet Governance. Starting his career as a mainstream journalist to the IT sectors, he has been associated with various national and international organizations like APSIG, Internet Society, ICANN, CIMA, Dynamic Coalition of Internet Rights and Principles, Nepal IGF, Nepal SIG etc. With huge motivation and passion for the internet to be a tool of development for change, he has been working towards raising awareness about various aspects of internet standardization in Asia Pacific.
https://icannwiki.org/Shreedeep_Rayamajhi
Ms. Sayda Kamrun Jahan RIPA
Bangladesh - Chairperson and Assistant Manager, ChairPerson, Youth IGF Bangladesh and Assistant Manager, Summit Communications Ltd. (Technical Community)
Bangladesh- Chairperson, Youth IGF Bangladesh and Assistant Manager, Summit Communications Ltd. (Technical Community)
Sayda Kamrun Jahan Ripa is the Chairperson of the forum of Bangladesh Youth IGF. She is leading Bangladesh Youth IGF and she is a very active contributor to Internet Governance in the Asia Pacific Region. By profession, She is working as Assistant Manager in the Department of Integration Commissioning (I C) at Bangladesh's biggest Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) Service Provider Company and serving the Telco industry of Bangladesh last 10 years. She is serving in Internet Governance Forum since 2019. She has good engagement in developing Bangladeshi Youth in IGF and enhancing the levels of engagement and participation of the youth in IGF. She is also a core committee member of BIGF and also contributes as a Committee member in bdSIG. She is APrIGF 2020 (Virtual edition) fellow. Sayda is also an alumnus of the fellowship program at SANOG, APNIC, APSIG, inSIG bdSIG.
Mr. Winston Digby ROBERTS
New Zealand - Chair of IFLA Regional Division for Asia-Oceania, IFLA (Civil Society)
Winston Roberts is Chair of the Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee of IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations Institutions), a civil society peak body. He works in the Office of the National Librarian, at the National Library of New Zealand, advising on the Library's international stakeholder relations. He was the lead NZ delegate to the WSIS in 2003 and to WSIS II in Tunis (2005) which established processes for Internet governance. He has been active in APrIGF since 2013.
Mr. Unggul SAGENA
Indonesia - Head of Internet Access Division, SAFEnet (Civil Society)
Unggul is an activist, policy analyst and educator. His current role within civil society networks is leading the Internet Access division, Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), and an adviser to the Indonesian ICT Volunteers organisation (RTIK). His expertise in Digital Governance, Innovation Technology Policy Analysis, and the intersection between Technology Society. Member of Jakarta Legal Aid Community Paralegal as well as researcher and lecturer on Informatics and Digital Transformation, Vocational School, University of Indonesia.
Dr. Muhammad SHABBIR
Pakistan - Senior Researcher, Individual (Academia)
Dr. Muhammad Shabbir is policy researcher by profession and holds PhD degree in International Relations. His international and national level work in different capacities includes organizations and forums as ISOC, ICANN, ITU, IGF as well as APSIG, MEAC-SIG and PKSIG. He aims to help make the Internet more accessible and inclusive for all particularly for persons with disabilities so that they can use and take advantage from its benefits equally, at the same time and without extra cost to them. Connect at Twitter @Dr_MShabbir/
Ms. Khundkar Ayesha SHAHRIYAR
Bangladesh - Convenor, Bangladesh Kids IGF (Academia)
Khundkar Ayesha Shahriyar is a Convener of Bangladesh Kids IGF. He has spent 4 years of his career playing as a leading role as the Social Industry evangelist for Kids, development and progress. Khundkar Ayesha Shahriyar is working on Child Law, Human Rights, Cyber Law, Cyber Security in Bangladesh. He has unique quality of experience and contribution in an inclusive manner in multi-stakeholders of Private Sector, Civil Society, Public Sector, Policy Makers, Academia and Media. Khundkar Ayesha Shahriyar is known as Kids Change Maker.
Mr. Khundkar Hasan SHAHRIYAR
Bangladesh - Convener, Bangladesh Lawyers IGF (Civil Society)
Khundkar Hasan Shahriyar is a Convener of Bangladesh Lawyers IGF and also a famous Advocate of Supreme Court of Bangladesh. He has spent 24 years of his career playing as a leading role as the Social Industry evangelist for Lawyers, ICT Journalist, IG, e-Commerce, Telecommunication, ISP and ICT Consultancy. Khundkar Hasan Shahriyar is working on Cyber Law, Cyber Security in Bangladesh. He has unique quality of experience and contribution in an inclusive manner in multi-stakeholders of Private Sector, Civil Society, Public Sector, Policy Makers, Academia and Media. Khundkar Hasan Shahriyar is known as Transformational Leader, Strategic Visionary, Elite Communicator and Change Maker.
Mr. Lokendra SHARMA
India - PhD Candidate, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru (Academia)
Lokendra is a PhD candidate at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. His current research is on cyberspace/cybersecurity. He is fascinated by the Internet, a complex socio-technical system that is ingenious as well as chaotic. He is deeply interested in Internet governance from a scholarly point of view. Usually, he is excited to know about socio-political aspects of any technical system/issue.
Mr. Hempal SHRESTHA
Nepal - Technical Advisor, Individual (Technical Community)
Hempal Shrestha is an Interdisciplinary Consulting Researcher with over 20 years of experience specializing in IT strategy, business process facilitation, knowledge management, and laws related to intellectual property rights (IPR). Currently, he is consulting with multiple organizations at national and international levels across different verticals, including IT products, software, and service sector; research and academic institutions; and government and non-governmental organizations.
He has extensively consulted on comprehensive issues of ICTs associated with technology, innovation, and development (ICT4D); training and capacity development; people, process and change management; and legal and policy formulation. Hempal holds Bachelor's degrees in Science (BSc.), Law (LLB), and Masters in Computer Applications (MCA).
Mr. Bikram SHRESTHA
Nepal - President, Province 3 ( प्रदेश नं ३ ) (Civil Society)
Bikram Shrestha is the President of Nepal Internet Foundation. He established a startup ISP when he was just 19 years and is the founding treasurer of the Internet Society Nepal, Co-chair of Cooperation SIG- APNIC, Vice Chair of NPOC - ICANN and Vice Chair of NepalIGF. Professionally, He is Head of Digital Banking at the Sanima Bank Ltd.
Mr. Santosh Santosh SIGDEL
Nepal - Founding Chairperson, Digital Rights Nepal (Civil Society)
Santosh Sigdel is a rights activist engaged in promotion and protection of human rights since the last 15 years. He holds master’s degree in international human rights from the Central European University, Hungary and master’s degree in international commercial law from the Tribhuvan university. Santosh has extensive work experiences on freedom of expression, transitional justice, right to information and has worked with national and international organizations such as UNDP, International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) Article19, CARE Nepal. While serving for more than 8 years in the board of Internet Society Nepal, including as a chair, he led many policy discourse, research and activities on a number of digital rights related issues. Currently he is chair of Digital Rights Nepal.
Mr. Bibek SILWAL
Nepal - NA, Individual (Youth / Students)
Mr. Silwal is currently pursuing MicroMasters® in Data Science and Statistics from One League in collaboration with the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. He has been actively contributing to National and Regional Internet Governance Fora emphasizing bringing more youths as stakeholders to the multi-stakeholder model of Internet Governance. He seeks to contribute and advocate for the field of data-driven Internet governance frameworks.
Mr. Rajnesh SINGH
Australia - Partner, WF Ventures (Private Sector)
Raj is a seasoned technology industry executive, serial entrepreneur and thought leader with extensive experience in the Asia-Pacific. He has played founding and leading roles in several technology and private equity investment firms, and has led business management and strategy development across multiple industries. He has worked on policy, regulatory reform, and development issues around the region, and has held several leadership roles in the Internet community including Past Chair of APrIGF and Founding Chair of APRALO.
Ms. Yien Chyn TAN
Singapore - Stakeholder Engagement Manager, APAC, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) (Technical Community)
Yien Chyn is currently a Stakeholder Engagement Manager at ICANN. She engages with the community in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and facilitates their participation in ICANN’s multistakeholder Internet governance discussions.
Mr. Chirag THAPA
Nepal - Product Head, Amtrix Technology Private Limited (Private Sector)
I am best known for my design skills, through the process to create a better brand and user experience. I have hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computing from London Metropolitan University. I have experience working as a Creative Director and working on multiple ventures. I hold an interest in design and finance. I mainly work with the internal teams and the clients to test performance, and usability and redesign the products if required.
Mr. Ishan TIMILSINA
Nepal - Project Manager, Amtrix Technology (Private Sector)
I am an experienced project manager with over 5 years of experience in leading complex projects in a variety of industries. I have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget and I am known for my ability to build solid teams and effectively manage stakeholder expectations. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computing from London Metropolitan University and a Master's Degree in MSc in Information System Management from Middlesex University. I possess strong leadership skills and I am able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. I am results-oriented and can balance the competing demands of cost, schedule, and quality. I am an advocate of Agile methodologies and am dedicated to continuous improvement.
Mr. Ashirwad TRIPATHY
Nepal - President, Educating Nepal (Civil Society)
Ashirwad Tripathy is co-founder and of Educating Nepal working to bridge socio-economic and digital divides by empowering underprivileged communities to fulfill sustainable development goals through grassroot project and policy advocacy since 2012. He is also the chair of Internet Society's Special Interest Group on Internet for Education and executive committee member of IEEE SA Industry Connections Program on Digital Resilience. He was ICANN72 fellow and APSIG Srilanka 2021 fellow.
Mr. Mohamad Afiq Ammar TULOS
Malaysia - Deputy Director, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) (Government)
Mohamad Afiq Ammar Tulos is a Deputy Director at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Responsible for policy and regulatory matters over domain names in Malaysia, he involved with ICANN since 2019 and is currently the Adviser of GAC Malaysia. He was selected as one of the fellows for the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) in 2021 and a member of the APrIGF Fellowship Committee in 2022.
Mr. Mohammad Kawsar UDDIN
Bangladesh - General Secretary, Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter (Press / Media)
Mr. Kawsar has been in the ICT industry since 1999 and well known in Bangladesh as an ICT journalist. He is one of the founding members of the Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter. He is the President of Technology Media Guild Bangladesh (TMGB) and Board of Trustee member of Bangladesh Network Operators Group (bdNOG). Also the Member of Wikimedia Bangladesh and Fellow of IGF Academy. Though he is a Technology Journalist, he actively involved in the Internet Community of Bangladesh.
Dr. Nirosha WEDASINGHE
Sri Lanka - Senior Lecturer, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (Academia)
Dr. Nirosha Wedasinghe had been acquired her first degree in Computing and Information Systems from London Metropolitan University in UK in 2005, and her masters from Charles Sturt University Australia in 2008. Dr. Wedasinghe has obtained her PhD in Information Systems. She pursued her PhD research in Disability Digital Divide and she is interested in Management Information Systems, Data Science and E-Governance research. She is an Executive Committee member of Computer Society of Sri Lanka, Senior Member of IEEE, Vice president of IEEE- Industry Application Society -LK, Chair Membership ISOC- LK.
Mr. Kasun Tharaka WICKRAMASURIYA
Sri Lanka - Senior Manager, Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri lanka (ICTA) (Government)
Kasun Tharaka Wickramasuriya is a Senior Manager, Capacity Building at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the former Secretary of the Internet Society Sri Lanka Chapter. He is a highly competent ICT professional, transformation strategist, and community development expert with extensive experience in the ICT sector. He is having over 12 years of experience in the corporate and public sectors and has proven skills in Capacity Building, Digital Transformation, Digital Adoption Inclusion, Internet Governance, Digital Economic Development, Community Development, Change Management, and Policy Development. He is one of the Co-Founder of Lanka School on Internet Governance (LKSIG) and a member of CSSL, IMSL, HISSL, ISOC and Sakura Science Club Japan. For more details visit : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasun-tw/
Mr. Ashrafur Rahman PIAUS
Bangladesh - Fellow Secretary General, Bangladesh School of Internet Governance (bdSIG) (Civil Society)
Dear Concern,
This is Ashrafur Rahman Piaus from Bangladesh. I am representing the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum Community. Got fellowship from Bangladesh School of Internet Governance (bdSIG) for the year 2019, India Schhol on Internet Governance (inSIG) for the year of 2022 and also was member of Fellowship selection committee for the year 2021 of bdSIG. Now I am currently the Secretary General of the Bangladesh School of Internet Governance. Beside that for the community development I am trying my level best to contribute through the community engagement, As a contributor I am nominated as a Global Young Professional at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP). I am interested to contribute of the below committee,
1. Program Committee
2. Fellowship Committee
I solicit your special cooperation in this regard.
Regards
Ashrafur Rahman Piaus
Mr. Uzair FAROOQI
Pakistan - Network Performance Analyst, Jazz (Private Sector)
As a network performance analyst at a prominent telecommunications company/Internet Service Provider (ISP), my main focus is on advancing internet access and reliability for all users. My aim is to enhance the accessibility of the internet across all regions of Pakistan and to ensure that it is affordable for everyone. As a member of the Internet Society Islamabad chapter, I am passionate about advocating for these causes and engaging in constructive dialogues about internet governance, with the goal of creating a fair and inclusive online environment in the region. I am an APNIC fellow and also serve as a member of the program committee for APNIC 56.
Ms. Melody BENDINDANG
Australia - External Relations Program Manager, APNIC (Technical Community)
Melody is currently the External Relations Program Manager at Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). She leads the External Relations Program that facilitates APNIC's engagement and impact with the technical community, and wider internet ecosystem within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Melody brings with her a decade of experience working with diverse communities in facilitating positive change.
Mr. Jubaer MAHMUD
Bangladesh - Managing Director, Cockpit Corporation (Technical Community)
Jubaer is currently Manging Director of Cockpit Corporation . He is a member of insternet society Bangladesh Chapter. Jubaer has spent 5 years of his career playing as a Technical support role as the Social Industry ICT, e-Commerce, Telecommunication.
Vasundhra KAUL
India - Researcher, The Bachchao Project (Civil Society)
Vasundhra is interested in exploring ways the law interacts with vulnerable communities— including incarcerated persons, queer and LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups, and religious minorities. They are cautiously optimistic about what the future of the internet will be. They have previously worked on internet shutdowns, effective access to the internet, and open science.
Mr. Abdullah QAMAR
Pakistan - CS/IT Instructor Tutor, Individual (Academia)
I am an enthusiastic STEM Educator, Microsoft Certified Trainer, EdTechconsultant, and co-founder with Skills share hub. I joined Virtual University (VU) in 2020 and currently serving as an Instructor in the Computer Science department of VU. I secured my master’s degree in Computer Science from Bahria University Islamabad. My present job roles include handling different undergraduate CS courses. Mentoring students in a distance learning environment and supervising Undergraduate final-year projects. My Research instructors included the Cloud, the Internet, STEM Education, Tech4good, and innovation Technology. My vision is to education, and innovation with a solid commitment to the social and academic growth of every individual through technology integration. I am an active member of ISOC Islamabad since 2016, and in my previous role, I served as general secretary of the Islamabad chapter from 2019-2022. It is my great pleasure to be a fellow for PKSIG 2016,2017,2018, SANOG29, APSIG 2022, ISOC fundamental community network program 2020,2021 last but not least fellow for ICANN75. overcome the digital divide and bridge the gap between industry and academia. I am passionate about technology,
Ms. Gunela ASTBRINK
Australia - Chair, Internet Society Accessibility Standing Group (Civil Society)
Gunela Astbrink has been active in disability policy, programs and research for 30 years and brings this experience to Internet governance. Gunela has organised workshops and spoken at national, regional and global IGFs as well as participating in NETmundial in Brazil. She is Chair of the global Internet Society Accessibility Standing Group, Vice-Chair of ICANN's APRALO and immediate past member of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG).
Dr. Sudha Bhuvaneswari NARAYANASWAMY
India - Associate Professor, Dr.G.R Damodaran College of Science (Academia)
Hold a PhD in computer science and working as professor for the past 25 years. Currently holding the chair person position in ISOC Chennai chapter and associated with APNIC, APrIGF and inSIG
Mr. Mubashir SARGANA
Pakistan - Independent Consultant, Individual (Civil Society)
A cybersecurity professional, specialties include Digital Forensics and Incident Handling Response, with diversified professional experience in relevant domains. Internet Public Policy is an addition to his skill set. He has got sufficient knowledge and grip on local cross-border cybersecurity matters, including those involving privacy violations data breaches.
APrIGF MSG Observers
Ms. Kamala ADHIKARI
Nepal - Treasurer, Forum for Digital Equality (Civil Society)
Ms. Adhikari is the treasurer of the Forum for Digital Equality and the coordinator of Online Child Safety Initiative. She expertise on the online child safety issues and has participated IGF, APrIGF and ICANN meetings and spoke on the child issues as part of the Internet Governance.
Mr. Chiranjibi ADHIKARI
Nepal - President, Information Security Response Team Nepal (Civil Society)
I am Chiranjibi Adhikari from an active member of the IT Community of Nepal. Managing Director at One Cover Pvt. Ltd. (Information Security Company From Nepal)
Former Chief Information Security Officer at Nepal Electronic Payment System
Former CEO at Biz Serve IT Pvt. Ltd. (Information Security Company From Nepal)
Former Chief Operating Officer at Nepal Certifying Company (Certifying Authority, Digital Signature)
Founder at ICT Frame Magazine Pvt. Ltd.
https://onecovernepal.com/cybersecurity-awareness/our_speaker/2296/
https://csrinepal.org/team/chiranjibi-adhikari/
Mr. Allen ALEX
India - Legal Associate, Youth Internet Governance Forum, India (Civil Society)
Lawyer by profession, interested in international law, constitutional law, IPR, IT, and privacy laws. Have been associated with internet governance space since 2019 and have involved with YIGF, India, APrIGF both as fellow and committee member.
Mrs. Mina ARYAL
Nepal - Chief Editor, ICT Frame Magazine Pvt. Ltd. (Press / Media)
Ms. Aryal is a Chief Editor of ICT Frame Magazine, President of the National ICT Council, and Executive Member of the CAN Federation. Co-Chair of the CAN Federation Women in ICT Committee, Member of Internet Society Nepal / Media Entrepreneur / Media Personality
Education: Master of Business Studies from 2011 from Tribhuvan University.
Research on Tech Media Challenges and Opportunities of Nepal and Women in ICT Nepal: Opportunities and Challenges.
Appreciated by various ICT Events in Nepal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/minaaryal/?originalSubdomain=np
https://csrinepal.org/team/mina-aryal/
Mr. Fouad Riaz BAJWA
Pakistan - CEO and Co-founder, Digital Dera by Agriculture Republic (Private Sector)
Fouad Riaz Bajwa is the Co-founder and CEO of Agriculture Republic and its Digital Dera smart villages network Pakistan. Fouad is a public policy entrepreneur and has been engaged with rural Internet connectivity, innovation start-ups and policy initiatives across national, regional and global settings that are helping shape the future of innovation, industrialisation and future economic growth. Fouad’s notable initiatives and contributions have been aimed at developing and introducing low-cost affordable technologies in Pakistan and across the world especially in the areas of information and communication technologies for development, artificial intelligence, biomedical and agriculture. He has contributed to various multistakeholder programs across the globe in various capacities. He has also served as a member of the MAG of the IGF.
Ms. Rita BARAMU
Nepal - Program Manager, Body Data (Civil Society)
Rita is a feminist , digital rights advocate and an aspiring law scholar based in Nepal and currently associated with Body Data. She's worked with different organization working in the area of land rights, Gender and human rights over past 10 years. You'll also find her speaking her mind about digital rights, women's, ethnic and minorities issues in Nepali newspapers and her social media.
Dr. Yik Chan CHIN
China - Associate Professor, Beijing Normal University (Academia)
Dr. Yik Chan Chin is an Associate Professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Beijing Normal University. Dr. Chin’s research interests include Internet governance, media and communications policies, regulation and law. Drawing on her research background in computer science, communication, and law, Dr. Chin has been devoted to studying policy and governance issues of information communication technology (ICT) from an interdisciplinary perspective, explaining how the social foundation promotes changes in the ICT systems, ICT policies, regulation and governance. Her current researches focus on the Internet governance and social media ethics in China. Major interdisciplinary research papers are published in Communication, Law and Political Science journals.
She holds several roles including
- Representative of the School of Journalism and Communication of Beijing Normal University to participate in the UN’s Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (OWEG)
- Outreach and Partnership Committee Chair of the Global Network of Internet Governance Academics (Giganet)
- Vice-chair of the Public Media Policies (PMP) Working Group of IAMCR
Dr. Chin received her D.Phil Degree from the University of Westminster, having completed an M.A in Transational Communication and Global Media from Goldsmiths College, University of London and a BSc (Hons) Degree in Computer Science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Prior to joining the Beijing Normal University, she worked in the Department of Media and Communication at the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, the Hong Kong Baptist University, and the Faculty of Law at the Oxford University and the University of Nottingham.
Ms. Sarai FALEUPOLU TEVITA
Samoa - ICT Director, National University of Samoa (Academia)
Currently the ICT Director for National University of Samoa that oversee the infrastructure of technical operations, manage a team of IT people, track technology in order to minimize security risks, increase user satisfaction and achieve operations and business goals. I accomplished and diversely experienced information technology professional with extensive experience in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, information management, hardware and software systems and project management. Recently selected as the Samoa IT Association President to lead the organization of IT Professions in Samoa as one of the nonprofit organizations that mutually provide ICT advise as a public voice of the ICT profession and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of ICT. PICISOC Chapter Board member 2022 to 2023.
Ms. Maureen HILYARD
Cook Islands - Development Consultant, ALAC, APRALO, At-Large, ICANN (Civil Society)
Representing the Internet end-user interests of small island developing states in the Pacific
Former ALAC Chair and former Chair of Dot Asia.
Member of APRIGF since Tokyo meeting in 2012 and attended most of the meetings since then, including virtual.
Have paticipated on the Fellowship, Elections, Programme, and Complaints committees
Mr. Pablo HINOJOSA
Australia - STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, APNIC (Technical Community)
Pablo Hinojosa is an expert in Internet governance with more than 20 years of experience in both Latin America and the Asia-Pacific regions. He is currently Strategic Engagement Director at APNIC, the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre. He represents the organisation at a senior level with governments, key intergovernmental and treaty organisations, and other key stakeholders. Previous to joining APNIC, he was Regional Relations Manager at ICANN. In this role, he worked with the Latin American Internet community to promote strategic alliances. He also played an active role in the establishment of ICANN’s first office in Washington DC. Before ICANN, he was Director for Multilateral Affairs in the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Commission (COFETEL). As a government official, he represented Mexico at the UN World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS).
Dr. Md. Rakibul HOQUE
Bangladesh - Professor, University of Dhaka (Academia)
Dr. Md. Rakibul Hoque is Professor of Management Information Systems at University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is also Visiting Scholar, School of Business, Emporia State University, USA. His research interests include technology adoption, Big Data, e-Health and ICT4D. Mr. Rakibul has published number of research articles in peer-reviewed academic journals and has presented papers in international conferences. He had the opportunity to working a number of research projects in Bangladesh, USA, Australia, Japan, China and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Hoque is the member of Association for Information Systems (AIS), UNESCO Open educational Resources Community, Asia eHealth Information Network, SAP University Alliance, Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), IEEE and Internet Society.
Mr. Hiro HOTTA
Japan - Board Member and Sr. EVP, JPRS (Technical Community)
Board Member and Senior EVP of JPRS, .JP ccTLD Registry, since 2001. He is responsible for corporate planning and administration of JPRS. He has actively participated and lead discussions in ICANN as a ccNSO Councilor. He is also known as his speciality in IDN and has been active in various Working Groups and Committees of ICANN. He was an awardee of ICANN Multistakeholder Ethos Award in 201
Ms. Shubha KAYASTHA
Nepal - Executive Director, Body Data (Civil Society)
Shubha Kayastha is a feminist activist who works in the intersection of gender, sexuality and technology. She is Executive Director and co-founder of Body Data. She is passionate about bringing feminist lens in the work around freedom of expression and sexual expression, data privacy and digital security.
Dr. Yong LIU
China - China, Hebei Academy of Social Sciences in China (Academia)
I am an Associate Research Fellow at the Hebei Academy of Social Sciences(河北省社会科学院) in China. I received my Ph.D. in Law from the China University of Political Science and Law(中国政法大学) in 2014. My current research interests focus on internet law, internet governance and intellectual property. I have published several books and papers in the field of internet law and copyright law. I am interviewed regularly by local and national media outlets to provide legal perspective on current events.
Mr. Ananda NIRAULA
Nepal - Inspector of Police, Nepal Police (Government)
I have done Masters in Computer Application (MCA) from Purbanchal University, Nepal. I am actively working as Cyber Crime Awareness Trainer for collages and school. Working as Digital Forensics Examiner and Analyst. I am working in IT related filed since 17 years. I have attended APRIGF, APSIG, NPSIG, etc physically.
Ms. Qurra Tul Ain NISAR
Pakistan - Law Student, Individual (Youth / Students)
I'm Qurra Tul Ain Nisar from Pakistan. I'm currently studying Shariah and Law(LLB) from International Islamic University, Islamabad. I intend to study Cyber Laws in upcoming years and develop my approach to achieving digital stability while learning from the dynamic platform of APrIGF. I’m a member of ISOC chapter Islamabad. I’ve graduated from NetMission Academy dotasia as top 10 active participants and now I’m the Organising Committee Member and Governance and Policy member of NMA.
Mr. Hiren PANDIT
Bangladesh - Project Coordinator, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) (Civil Society)
Brief Bio/ Hirendra Pandit Mr. Pandit is a proven visionary and strategic media professional, program planner, capacity-building facilitator and development communication practitioner that translates media and communication strategies into maximum proceeds commensurate with the best interest of organizations and communities. He is dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on excellence, service and ethics as well are a visionary and a good communicator with writing skills in English and Bengali. He has proven interpersonal communication, analytical, organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills. Thrive in both independent and collaborative work environments. Currently, he is working as the Program Coordinator for Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). BNNRC has provided a number of training for journalists for strengthening independent media in Bangladesh. It has conducted training on conflict-sensitive journalism, fact-checking and verification techniques in news reporting and digital safety and security training for journalists from Dhaka and outside of Dhaka for Print, Electronic and Online Media journalists. He has been playing a significant role to organize the training and preparing reports and follow up with the journalists. He provided support to develop a Trainers’ pool for BNNRC from Bangladeshi Senior journalists from Print and Electronic media to conduct the training for local-level journalists, especially at the district level. He has been maintaining regular contact with print, electronic, and online media houses and journalists on behalf of BNNRC. He is responsible for media management, preparing press releases, development features, human-interest stories, public relations, organizing press events and all media coverage of the events for BNNRC. He is responsible for supporting to organize of BNNRC’s fellowship program for Bangladeshi Journalists (Print, Electronic, online and Community Radi
Mr. AHM Bazlur RAHMAN
Bangladesh - Chief Executive Officer, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication | Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (Civil Society)
AHM Bazlur Rahman- S21BR: A Pioneer for Giving Voices to the Voiceless People through Community Radio, ICT4D Social Dialogue in Bangladesh. +8801711881647 | www.bnnrc.net | He has seen first-hand how rural disadvantaged people in Bangladesh are deprived of their basic rights,a freedom of expression and are subject to discrimination in many areas of their lives in line with VOICE POVERTY. He has made it his mission to work for the improvement of rural disadvantaged people through an innovative social model like Giving Voices to the Voiceless People through Community Radio, ICT Social Dialogue in Bangladesh. Having spent over two and half decades in the community media, ICT4D social dialogue in line with voices to be heard! Now around 20 Community Radio and Community Visual Radio stations broadcast 170-hour programs on social, political, cultural, and environmental economics aimed at empowering of empowering disadvantaged people in Bangladesh. He heads up the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication, one of the leading and pioneering development-related related civil organizations (CSO) in Bangladesh, and is the Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) accredited with World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) of the United Nations and UN WSIS prize winner 2016 and Champion 2017, 2019, 2020 2021 for promoting media development ICT4D. After receiving the United Nations recognition for the time 8th time, He has driven his team more effectively which resulted in a sharp rise in research and development regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), Over-the-Top (OTT) services, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Internet addressing (DNS) ecosystem, Big Data, Data Privacy Data Localization, Fintech and STEM in the development process in line with rural advancement for adding values ta through holistic approach in ensuring at the response through an equity lens Shaping the Future
Ms. Amasha RATHNAYAKE
Sri Lanka - Demonstrator, (None)University Of Sri Jayewardenepura (Academia)
I am graduate from University Of Sri Jayewardenepura in Sri Lanka in Information and Communication Technology.I participated in APSIG 2021 and YIGF in 2022 with APRIGF 2022.
Now I am studying in Net Mission Academy 2023.
Mr. Vishaarad SHARAN
Fiji - User and Computer Repair Technician, PICISOC and Software Foundation - -Fiji (Civil Society)
I am a member of PICISOC and Software Foundation - Fiji. I was one of the top 4 Outstanding of APIGA 2016 and I attend APrIGF 2017. I had volunteered by creating a Facebook page for Pac IGF's.
Mr. Prabesh SUBEDI
Nepal - Director, Digital Media Foundation (Press / Media)
Prabesh Subedi is a New Media Journalist, Researcher and Internet Freedom Activist from Nepal. He is the president of Digital Media Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Kathmandu. He also leads Media Chautari as a director. His expertise includes freedom of expression on the Internet, online journalism and social media. In 2017, he was one of the signatories to initiate national IGF in Nepal. Since than he has been contributing IGF events in national, regional and global level.
Mr. Jia-Rong LOW
Singapore - Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, ICANN (Technical Community)
An international executive with Foreign Service credentials, Jia-Rong Low joined ICANN in August of 2013 and is now the Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director - Asia Pacific. Stationed in Singapore, Jia-Rong leads the teams at the APAC Regional Office, overseeing the expansion of ICANN's operations in the region. Jia-Rong works with key stakeholders to bring ICANN to the region, and facilitate stakeholders to participate in multistakeholder Internet governance. A former diplomat, Jia-Rong worked for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as First Secretary (Political) at the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi. Jia-Rong is very familiar with the region, having represented Singapore in engaging the region's governments such as Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines.